Defence Minister Presents Isha Foundation’s Inaugural Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Awards

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented the inaugural Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Awards during the Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre , recognising individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to India’s progress. Instituted by the Isha Foundation , the awards cover multiple fields including science, technology, arts, culture, sports, corporate leadership, humanitarian service, and military excellence .

Singh expressed pride in honouring three military units the Western Air Command, Southern Command, and Western Naval Command for their role in Operation Sindoor , highlighting the dual aspects of decisive action and humanitarian service . “Culture and science are complementary in India; culture is not merely a set of rituals, it is our way of life,” he said.

Among the prominent awardees , Nambi Narayan and Kiran Kumar were recognised in science and technology , while Alarmel Valli , N Rajam , and historian Vikram Sampath received honours for their contribution to arts and culture . Badminton icon Saina Nehwal was recognised for her achievements in sports. The military recognition was represented by Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra , Lt Gen A V S Rathee , and Vice Admiral R V Gokhale .

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev , founder of Isha Foundation, said the awards will be annual and cover seven key categories, blending recognition of individual excellence with institutional achievements. He emphasised the aim to celebrate holistic nation-building, integrating India’s cultural heritage with modern advancements.

However, the awards have faced criticism . Some question the spiritual and religious association of the awards, arguing that government participation could blur the line between state recognition and spiritual promotion. Others have raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process and overlap with existing national honours in science, arts, and sports. Critics also note the political overtones and the risk of commercialising cultural events.

Despite these debates, the awards are seen by supporters as a prestigious platform to honour contributions that strengthen India’s identity, culture, and global stature.